Residents reach out to each other in face of storm

Lower Hutt residents should keep in close contact with friends and neighbours who may be in need of support, says Mayor Ray Wallace following the massive storm that has left a trail of devastation across the city.

“I have been very impressed with the willingness of Lower Hutt people to look out for each other particularly for neighbours with large families or people living alone who have been affected by the storm.

“Emergency services continue to work around the clock clearing trees and repairing roads damaged by the storm. The widespread loss of power has also caused anxiety and concern and I know everything possible is being done to get everyone back on line.

“Hutt City contractors defied the howling winds and rain to get out on the job and our civil defence response teams coordinated activities and ensured a steady flow of information was available to keep our residents informed of developments.

“Information is critical in times like these and the council facebook was accessed by many of our people who wished to share information and keep updated.

“Trees have been the major problem with a large number of branches being scattered everywhere. The heavy seas caused some road closures along the coastline while commuters faced delays through cancelled trains caused by track damage.

“The loss of power has meant that some of our libraries remain closed.

“The wild weather is easing but there is still a need for caution when moving about the city.

“Our Hutt City call centre managed a heavy load of callers and I am urging people with on-going power problems to ring their power supplier,” says Mayor Wallace.

“Everyone involved in clearing up the debris and getting things running again have done a fantastic job and deserve our praise for a job well done,” he says.

ENDS

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